YORKTOWN HEIGHTS — A long awaited sign memorializing fallen CSEA member Jake Arcara made its debut in late November on a state highway adjacent to Yorktown Town Hall.
Arcara, who worked for the Town of Yorktown Highway Department, died Sept. 14, 2022, after being struck in a work zone. He was 28.
Media reports at the time suggested that the driver — an 88-year-old man who later died from his injuries — became confused while driving and accelerated when traffic was stopped.
Along with members of the Arcara family and the sign’s co-sponsors in Albany, Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Matt Slater, a large contingent attended the dedication. Those present included statewide and Southern Region CSEA representatives and activists from neighboring bargaining units.
CSEA Executive Vice President Richard Bebo and Acting Southern Region President Rosemarie Kukys offered remarks on behalf of our union, with Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo also attending to show her support.
Arcara’s mother, Kelly Arcara, noted that she has made it her mission to speak to community groups about work zone safety awareness and encourages families to have the sometimes tough conversations about when a loved one may no longer be able to drive safely.
Our union continues to address work zone safety, both through educational efforts and by lobbying for legislation that will keep CSEA members safer on the job.
Kukys said Arcara remains in the hearts and minds of so many within our union.
“It was important for us to be there to honor Jake’s memory and support his family,” said Kukys. “It was equally important that we were there to stand side by side with our union family from the Town of Yorktown Unit. There is no time limit on grief, and we know that Jake’s loss is something they carry with them every day.”
— Jessica Ladlee
